The effort follows a long survey of the island conducted by Pawar and a team of fishermen last monsoon, which revealed immediate, key threats to the local flora and fauna.

While some plastic waste washes ashore from the sea, the biggest contributor is waste left back by tourists. “Such is the magnitude that even if you were to clean up the entire coast, 70 to 80 per cent of the waste would soon return. We’re clearly looking at an attitude problem, as much as a conservation problem,” Pawar sighs.

(From left) Herons, gulls, and sandpipers call the island home

Participants will first board a ferry from the Nhava Manik Jetty to reach Elephanta aka Gharapuri Island. A fishing boat will take the eco-warriors to the battlefield — the thick mangroves where plastic and thermocol waste is choking marine life. “We do not expect first timers to wade through the difficult terrain, but they can always lend a hand to the fishermen,” Pawar says.

If the efforts come to fruition, the many marine species like lobsters, crabs, tiger prawns, and birds like herons, flamingos, and gulls who call it home, will chirp a happy tune. “Historically, the island has seen few large-scale cleaning efforts because of the difficulty of access. I don’t think that should stop us from protecting a monument of natural heritage,” Pawar signs off.

Nandakumar Pawar (left) joins the efforts of a previous clean-up

Clean sweep

How the group aims to revamp the swamps

1 Carry out large scale clean-up drives regularly
2 Request the Mangrove Cell’s assistance in reforesting the lost mangroves
3 Create awareness among tourists about waste disposal

3000 to 4000
Estimated kgs of waste that will be collected during the clean-up

ON March 15; 8 am 
MEETING POINT Nhava Manik Jetty, Nhava Sheva, Navi Mumbai.  
CALL 7977670832 (for queries)
ENTRY Revealed on request

Flying solo

Shaw rehearses with the orchestra. Pics Courtesy/RHYTHM SHAW ON Youtube

The album is expansive, and odd in times of singles and EPs. “I grew up listening to albums that were long, filled with songs across two sides. The tracks tell a story, about my journey, and musical evolution,” the 29-year-old says. The tracks move with harmony, each building up into the next. Some carry the rawness of his early life. Like Inshry Master, the guitarist says, “It was the first track I wrote in 2010.”

With a little help

It helps that the community of musicians in the city is so close knit. The talents on the album include Jai Row Kavi, Gino Banks, Mohini Dey, Suman Bhattacharya and Nandini Shankar among others. Space Station is an example where the trio of Banks, Shaw, and Dey jam with freedom. “Gino [Banks] has been one of my first friends since I arrived in Mumbai. We enjoy playing with each other. It is the same with Mohini. It felt natural,” he admits.

Cohesion on track

Rhythm Shaw

The more significant presence is that of the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. Two tracks on the album, Nothing To Lose, and Healing, carry the vast orchestral arrangement. “If you take a normal guitar tone, it has a big impact. But when you layer that chord line over a hundred different sounds, it is not going to cut through. The challenge was to put the guitar at the centre, without diluting the grand effect of the orchestration,” he says. With a seven-city tour coming up this week, Shaw adds, “It is difficult to explain music, unless you listen to it. This was the most challenging journey of my life.” 

Log on to: Nothing To Lose on Spotify; @rhythm_shaw (for tour dates)

Gino Banks

Jam with Shaw

Top picks from the album
»Khandam Blues
» Nothing To Lose
» Somewhere in Between
» Space Station
» Shogun

“Participants will be taken through the fundamentals by an instructor, including body movements, grip, foothold, how to handle a fall, amongst others,” a Girivihar team member shares. Apart from climbing techniques, climbers will be taught safety protocols as well.

It is an indoor wall. Shoes and other necessary equipment will be provided. They add that attendees should wear flexible workout clothing (avoiding sleeveless clothes), keep nails short, and avoid wearing accessories. Participants will be updated with all details as well.

Rock climbing remains an uncommon sport in India. The idea is to ensure that sessions can become a step towards generating awareness about it, and getting more people to take interest in and benefit from it.

On March 15; 9 am to 11 am 
At Shree Math, Acharya Renukacharya Udyan, Nerul East. 
Register 8452018412 (message)
Entry Rs 1000 (per person)

Mumbai loves a good sandwich. But it’s rare to find a good one beyond South Mumbai and Bandra. That frustration sits at the heart of the new shop in Andheri started by three partners — Chef Dinesh B (who also goes by Chef Denis), Chintan Bhiwandkar, and Alka Khilnani — who met through overlapping worlds. “All three of us are from different backgrounds,” explains Bhiwandkar. “Kitchen, finance and marketing. Everyone handles their own thing.”

Sichuan Fried Shroom Sandwich

Their common love for bread is what brought them together. But why start a sandwich spot? “The idea was simple,” says Dinesh. “I love sandwiches.” And, it came from travel as much as hunger. Between them, the partners had eaten across North America and Europe. Burgers, grilled cheese, deli sandwiches — the kind of casual food cities like New York and Chicago treat almost as civic pride.

At home in Mumbai, the chef found himself underwhelmed. “I used to struggle with sandwiches or burgers,” he admits. Part of that struggle was about meat. “Most burgers here use lean meat. But the flavour comes from the fat,” says Dinesh. So, the team started building a menu around the sandwiches they wished existed in the city. While Mumbai already knew fried chicken or burgers, Tost wanted to bring forth sandwiches uncommon to the city.

Pics courtesy/Tost

The space reflects that thinking. You’ll notice classic American diner shades: Reds, yellows, and whites. But the place doesn’t feel like a retro theme park. Maybe, it’s the music, the crowd spilling in from the neighbourhood. Or it’s simply that this diner aesthetic is filtered through a contemporary lens.

For a sandwich shop, the food feels refreshingly elevated. The pricing, however, keeps things grounded. The menu glides between continents. There’s a Sichuan Fried Chicken Burger, where crisp chicken is dunked in peppery Sichuan oil. “You bite into the chicken, and you realise that the flavour is not only from the batter,” says Bhiwandkar. Breakfast leans global too. Mumbai’s Keema Pav appears as a Bunny Chow; there are Chilaquiles; and an Anti-Avo Tosty, which has coriander hummus, pickled beets and feta on a toasted bagel. There are the personal touches. The Aloo Tuk is the chef’s nod to his Sindhi upbringing. Traditionally, it’s double-fried and smashed. Here, it arrives as stacked potato bites instead. And, there are OG Bombay references too. “We wanted to give something back, so some dishes are an ode to the city,” the chef says.

Chintan Bhiwandkar, Alka Khilnani and Chef Dinesh B

Drinks feel like a nod to the founders’ childhoods. You will be served Coca Cola in the original glass bottles, Coke floats, iced teas, and spicy lemonades. There is coffee for those who want something less playful. While desserts are simple and light. Think ice cream tucked into buns, and milk and cookies. 

At Tost, 13, Sterling Apartment, Sundervan Complex Road, Andheri West.
TIME Tuesday to Thursday, 3  pm to 10.30 pm; Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 12.30 pm; Mondays closed
CALL 9987823200
LOG ON TO @tost.bombay

The Guide’s top picks

Just Another Smash
The name undersells it because it’s rare to find a classic smash. While everyone is busy getting creative with sauces and fillings, Chef Dinesh sticks to this burger’s simplicity. Two smash patties, cheese, chopped onions, and pickles. “This is a no-drama burger,” the chef says.
Cost Rs 525

Chicken Wings
These wings avoid the usual sauce overload. Instead, the seasoning runs through the meat. There’s an Asian-inspired BBQ sauce served alongside instead of the wings getting tossed into it. So, you can dip, slather, and lick as much as you please.
Cost Rs 345

Eggplant Marinara with Zhug
This focaccia sandwich piles crispy eggplant with mozzarella, zucchini, 
roasted peppers and sundried tomato pesto; zhug adds heat.
Cost Rs 425

Misal Birria
If Mumbai was a sandwich, it would probably be this. The matki and spiced aloo are sandwiched in toasted bread, while the hot tari arrives separately like when you order a birria taco. Scoop, pour, sprinkle farsan and build your own bite.
Cost Rs 225

I Scream PB&J
Dessert here feels playful rather than fancy. Vanilla ice cream sits inside a mini bun with peanut butter and jam. It’s a childhood snack that wandered into a diner.
Cost Rs 225

A view of the Dadar eatery

The new outlet in Wagle Estate will also house a tandoor, with its homely and  signature fare. “People love to eat; we love to feed,” shares founder Surekha Walke.

AT Chaitanya Assal Malvani Bhojangruh, Wagle Estate, Thane. 
CALL 9769909030

Dil Bechara beauty Sanjana Sanghi puts Zeenat Aman in the spotlight this week, and for all the right reasons. “She is truly an enduring icon, and not just for her striking beauty. Zeenat Aman ji redefined what beauty and confidence mean for a modern woman, and she did it back in the 1970s, when the industry was largely defined by traditional portrayals of women. As a media student in college, we’ve literally written papers on how she changed the female gaze in Indian cinema.

Sanjana Sanghi

That unapologetic individuality and a bold cosmopolitan energy that audiences had rarely seen before — her breakthrough performance in Hare Rama Hare Krishna became an instant cultural phenomenon! What really makes her timeless is that her beauty, personality, and confidence are inseparable, and I think that is such an inspiration for the modern Indian woman.”

Laughter is the best medicine

Russell Peters is heading back to Mumbai on March 22 after an interminable intermission — and honestly, we’re all due for the dose. His Relax World Tour kicks off its seven-city India run in Delhi this Sunday.

Russell Peters

Chatting with me during his last visit, the comedy giant (no fat shaming intended!) was firm on not “toning it down.” He’s been at this since 1989 and refuses to “turn into a civilian” by self-filtering and sacrificing his superpower. To Russell, losing that edge is like Superman giving up his cape to be human: “You realise pretty quickly that it sucks,” he says. 

For Mumbai audiences, this isn’t just another comedy show. It’s a chance to witness a master at work — wielding wit as effortlessly as ever and reminding us why humour, unfiltered and unapologetic, remains a superpower we all need.

Tiny table, big legacy

Thursday brought terrific tidings for two Mumbai eateries, with the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (51-100) for 2026. Papa’s in Bandra replaces chef Prateek Sadhu’s Naar at No. 66, while Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf ’s The Table comes in at No. 73.

Sameer Seth, Hussain Shahzad and Yash Bhanage

Now while The Table remains one of our fast favourites, it is Papa’s poignant story that truly deserves attention. Named after the late chef Floyd Cardoz — affectionately addressed as Papa ji — this tiny 12-seater is a hidden gem, helmed by chef Hussain Shahzad. Founders Sameer Seth and Yash Bhanage continue Cardoz’s legacy here, with Sameer noting he often feels Floyd’s guiding hand at work.

“He’ll be sitting with a single malt somewhere, cheering us on for this,” says Sameer, understandably elated at the new honour. “Moments like this underscore that our work stands for something. The validation and recognition are incredible for the whole team, and we are truly grateful.”

Having earned a top accolade from Time magazine in 2025, Papa’s continues to rack up recognition, cementing its place as one of Mumbai’s culinary treasures. Fully booked through April already, this tiny treasure proves that Cardoz’s legacy — and Mumbai’s appetite for it — are very much alive.

Papa’s can preach

Since opening its doors in February 2024, this small suburban space has been a magnet for big names. Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are among those who have dined here, in addition to Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, and Indo-Canadian singer-rapper AP Dhillon.

Seventy splendid overs

One could scarcely have scripted a more felicitous coincidence — celebrating seventy splendid overs of Shashi Tharoor while the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final provided the background commentary. And so it was on Sunday night that legal eagle Rohit Kochhar and wife, Sonali, hosted a party to bring in the birthday of our favourite former export to the United Nations, at their sprawling Chhatarpur mansion.

Shashi Tharoor

The capital’s most conspicuous citizens stepped out for cocktails and dinner with Tharoor: ambassadors from at least three EU countries including Lithuanian diplomat Diana Mickevičienė; MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and a handful of fellow politicians; Kathak queen Shovana Narayan; economist Prem Shankar Jha; OG influencer Bina Ramani; and journo Barkha Dutt. Not surprisingly, fellow lovers of language attended too — William Dalrymple and Chetan Bhagat amongst them.

Champagne was poured, the cake — a perfect Moët magnum replica — was cut, and a giant screen carried the cricket live. And while India’s World Cup triumph was a handsome birthday bonus, the night’s real headline was Tharoor’s mother being there to see him into his seventies. A blessing indeed.

Performed by singer, Runaa Rizvii Shivamani, this programme titled The Kabiran Project, will explore the spiritual and humanist ideas that connect diverse devotional traditions. For Rizvii, the project is deeply personal. Raised in a household steeped in music, she traces her artistic roots to a lineage of ghazal singers. “I hail from a family of ghazal singers. My father was Ustad Rajkumar, and my mother, Srimati Indrani. My father was often referred to as “the Mehdi Hassan of India.”

Runaa Rizvii Shivamani (centre, in orange) along with the band, Fankaar. Pics courtesy/Runaa Rizvii Shivamani

“Because I’ve been raised in a very secular atmosphere in my house, I felt the need to come up with something where I can express all the aspects without a bias and where we rise as human beings rather than being categorised into a sect or religion,” Rizvii reiterates.

The evening will draw on a wide range of voices from India’s spiritual and literary traditions. Alongside Kabir’s verses, the programme will reflect on the writings of saints and poets such as Ravidas, Surdas, Mirabai, Baba Bulleh Shah, and Amir Khusrau.

On stage, the performance unfolds as a blend of storytelling, shayari, and music that explores Kabir’s philosophy of self-realisation, compassion and love. Rather than attempting to recount the saint’s life chronologically, the focus will remain on the enduring relevance of his writings. “It’s not possible to describe a person’s entire life in two minutes,” Rizvii reflects. “But what they have written — that, and the essence of their life is what we can apply in our lives, to become better human beings.”

Kabir Das. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

Alongside the devotional and Sufi repertoire, the evening will also feature well-known ghazals, including all-time crowd favourites such as Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo and Ranjish Hi Sahi. Rizvii also plans to present a cherished ghazal written by poet Bashir Badr — Ek Kasak Dil Ki Dil Mein Chubhi Reh Gai, Zindagi Mein Tumhari Kami Reh Gai — as well as classics by Mirza Ghalib, including Dil-e-Nadaan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai. The result will be an evening where poetry, devotion, and music intersect, while returning repeatedly to Kabir’s enduring message of humanity beyond divisions.

ON March 28; 7 pm onwards 
AT Kkala, Aram Nagar, opposite Dariya Mahal, JP Road, Versova, Andheri West.
LOG ON TO @kkalaofficial 
ENTRY Rs 599

This writer might be older than the target demographic, but the book nevertheless lands with its whimsy. Ganapathy turns to quirky rhymes, a la Dr Seuss, to get across simple words and easy phrases. And so, we have elaneer (coconut water), mayil (peacock), and even the tongue-twisting vazhaipazham (banana) find their way into illustrated rhymes in a quick-to-read 20-page book. 

The pairing of the words with their English transliterations is a smart device since Tamil is a lyrical language, and lends itself to the rhymes. “This is a book for anyone curious about learning a few words of a new language. Every page is unexpected and joyous. And they are filled with fun and adventure,” shares Ganapathy.

The illustrator delivers on it, too. The visuals are bright, whimsical, and immediately arresting. Add this to silly rhymes, and you have something to keep your five-year-old hooked to, without having to check for battery.

Kalyani Ganapathy

AVAILABLE All leading bookstores and e-stores
COST Rs 499

South Africa-born Isakov’s folk-country track feels like a warm conversation with an old friend on a cold night in the titular European city. A far cry from the sizzling Maximum City, but one can daydream.

Sapphire by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran

This vibrant, perfect-for-the-summer track is Western pop-infused with desi elements, including some lilting notes from instruments like the sitar, among others.

Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn/Cher

Cher

While we find ourselves veering towards Cher’s 1995 rendition, it’s Cohn’s deeply personal lyrics of his life that will tug at the heart strings. Music legends Elvis and Al Green make a presence too. A blues masterpiece.

War Pigs by Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons, Artistes’ Instagram, Youtube

We don’t really need to say more, but this 1970s anthem was the definitive anti-war call. This might be Gen Alpha, but Sabbath fans have been there, and done that.

Mostly Chimes Adrianne Lenker

Adrianne Lenker. Pic courtesy/Spotify

True to its title, this one’s an instrumental tune for your slow days. It reminds us of a windy, rainy afternoon where the sky is gloomy, with a slight nip in the air.

We’re waiting to see the king of fruits in the city’s markets, but word is, the Mango Cider is already back on tap at this SoBo watering hole.
AT Effingut, Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba.
CALL 8657440661

Flower power

Pic Courtesy/R Hapi

Too late to buy flowers? Take your date out to this experimental brewery where you can chug the Hapi Hibici, made from fresh hibiscus flowers. The bright pink beer is sweet, tropical, and easy on the palate.  
AT R Hapi Brewing Company, Penkarpada, Mira Road East.
CALL 8104803915

Go for six

Pics Courtesy/@berlinbrewmumbai

Beer isn’t harvested from the trees; or is it? At this Berlin-inspired brew garden, call for the Beer Tree, a set of six craft beers. Our pick is the tangy, sour Guava cider.
AT Berlin Brew Beer Garden, ground floor, Times Square, Andheri East.
CALL 98198 01555

Berry cool

Strawberry Mead. Pic Courtesy/@GoDoolally

Meads might not be true beers, but we’ll cut some slack for the delicious Strawberry Mead at this Khar beer haunt. The honey-derived drink will keep you buzzed as a bee.
AT Doolally, Road 3, near Khar railway station, Khar West.
CALL 9167860275

We’re all ice

If warm beers are your worst nightmare, try beer popsicles on a stick at this Andheri microbrewery. The lemon variant was too sour for our taste, but the chocolate stout popsicle bagged our vote.  
AT Sthamba Brewery, New Link Road, Andheri West.
CALL 9167636666

Beer goals

The English Premier League Brew Series at this popular brewery has a drink for every team in the ongoing league. The newest on tap is Nottingham Forest, a crisp light lager with a light body. Bottoms up, every time your team scores.
AT Independence Brewing Company, Central Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
CALL 8484820401

Go local

Over the next three weekends, Maharashtra’s flavours will flow on tap at the Woodside Inn’s Hoppy Trails 2026. Choose from Kimaya Kokum Ale, Muskmelon IPA, Basil Blonde, Pandan IPA, and Guava Mead.
ON March 14 and 15 (Colaba); March 21 and 22 (Andheri); March 28 and 29 (Bandra)
CALL 7968158311

Beer binge

Stock up your favourite beers in growlers to fight the heatwave from home.

Effingut
Top pick: Raspberry Seltzer
AVAILABLE Delivery across Mumbai
LOG ON TO effingut.com

Brew Whale
Top pick: Bandruh Brew
AVAILABLE Delivery across Khar, Malad, Andheri, Thane, Powai.
LOG ON TO 8104693221

Drifters Brews
Top pick: Kokum Cider
AVAILABLE Kandivli (pick-up only)
LOG ON TO driftersbrew.com

Aditi Desai and Bruce Guthrie

“We are delighted to welcome Gujarati-speaking audiences back for Vasant,” says Bruce Guthrie, head of theatre and films at the NCPA. “Gujarati theatre plays a central role in Mumbai’s cultural life, and this year’s programme reflects both its depth and its range.” Director Aditi Desai adds that festivals like this help bring regional theatre to wider audiences. 

“Our play Akoopar, based on the novel, Akoopar by Dhruv Bhatt, explores the Maldhari community and their relationship with the lions of Gir Forest National Park. At a time when coexistence with nature is increasingly urgent, their way of life feels especially relevant. This is our 97th performance, and the play is ultimately about the search for truth — Satya.”

Till March 15
At NCPA, Nariman Point. 
Log on to ncpamumbai.com
Cost Rs 360 onwards (members); Rs 400 onwards (non-members)

The guide’s top Picks

Shakespeare Mharo Jamai

A performance of Shakespere Mharo Jamai

A Rajasthani folk play where Banjara storytellers begin to notice uncanny parallels between Shakespearean drama and their own oral traditions, this one has satire, humour and live folk music.
ON March 12; 7 pm
AT Experimental Theatre

Akoopar by Aditi Desai

Set in the landscape of the Gir Forest National Park, this adaptation explores the life and philosophy of the Maldhari community and their delicate coexistence with wildlife.
ON March 14; 7 pm
AT Experimental Theatre

Lagna – The Musical

The festival closes with a lively musical that reimagines traditional Gujarati wedding songs while playfully examining family expectations, rituals and humour. 
ON March 15; 8 pm
AT Tata Theatre

Choggo

An experimental poetry-led performance by Saumya Joshi with poets Anil Chavda and Bhavesh Bhatt, that blends spoken word, rhythm and theatrical expression to explore contemporary Gujarati verse.
ON March 15; 5.30 pm
AT Tata Theatre

That’s So Viraj

Stand-up comedy joins the line-up as Viraj Ghelani mines everyday Gujarati family life for humour, exaggeration and moments of instant recognition.
ON March 13; 7.30 pm 
AT Tata Theatre

Socrates

Revisiting the trial of the Greek philosopher Socrates, Manoj Shah’s play draws parallels with Indian traditions of debate and reflects on the value of free thought.
ON March 15; 3.30 pm
AT Experimental Theatre

Improvisational games brought alive through dance, Errors Onleee might be the inspiration you need to get up and move this weekend.
Time 8.15 pm onwards
At Veda Black Box, Versova. 
Log on to jainilmehta.org
Entry Rs 500

Friday
Magic of sounds

Pic courtesy/@jyotimayi.music

Sit back, unwind, and listen to artiste Jyoti Mayi (right) blend Sanskrit mantras, experimental electronics in her immersive album, Acoustic Levitation.
Time 7.30 pm
At Harkat Studios, Versova. 
Log on to altshows.com
Entry Rs 350

Saturday
Poetry for everyone

Pic courtesy/Brain Bristle Foundation

Words can be magical, and transport you from the city’s chaos to a fantastical world. 
Ask Devangana Mishra (above), as she guides you into a lyrical session.
Time 7 pm
At Fictionary Bookstore and Cafe, Bandra West. 
Log on to urbanaut.app
Entry Rs 499 onwards

Sketch your feelings

Pic courtesy/@the.inkpot

Heal with art, as illustrator Sneha Dasgupta teaches you to draw your emotions onto your canvas in this guided creative session. 
Time 11 am to 1 pm
At Bombay Sweet Shop, Oshiwara. 
Log on to @bombaysweetshop
Entry Rs 800 (per person)

Sunday
Festive feast

Pic courtesy/kadak

You cannot go wrong with this Iftar Dawat, that delivers on fare from Seasonal Fruit Chaat to spiced kebabs. 
Time 7 pm onwards
At Kadak, ICONIQA Hotel, Andheri East.
Call 8655691535 
Cost A la carte (individual dish pricing); Rs 499 onwards (dessert buffet)

Singh began writing the book in 2020, amidst reading novels featuring queer characters; he wanted to read one where the character’s narrative arc was not confined to their coming-out. “I wanted to see that if there are two men who are already together, how are they making it? And I saw Ralph and Ojas in this sort of a relationship which is appealing to one and not to the other.” This nudged him to tap into these novel dynamics that can be witnessed more visibly today, especially among the queer communities.

Illustration courtesy/Veer Misra, Harpercollins India

Two prominent voices emerge in the book, Ralph’s and Zubina’s, though others’ lives unfold around them too. Zubina provides an outsider’s perspective into this relationship. Singh recollects drawing her character after he imagined Ralph and Ojas. “I thought if these are two men, there has to be someone who is continuously working as a help,” he tells us. Zubina holds conservative values, is God-fearing, and believes in propriety. It is not rare to find voices like hers in literature, but it is uncommon to read her perspective in novels about queer lives. As Ralph’s help, she’s privy to his world. At the same time, in imagining her domestic life, Singh makes us privy to her world and her negotiation with love at home.

Rahul Singh

“Zubina was developed because of my training as an ethnographer,” Singh, who is currently pursuing a PhD in sociology, shares. “I’ve been visiting neighbourhoods, so I observed the different ways of life around me. But I wasn’t observing it with the intent of writing about Zubina.” He learnt about habitats and the various kinds of indispositions that people live with. “These went into me imagining a Zubina,” he adds, grateful that his editors helped bring out the finer nuances of the Muslim woman.

The novel at its core is about intimacies and its precariousness. The title is both arresting and unassuming. In his first draft, Singh recalls writing a scene where a character unfolds a bedsheet. “That image stayed with me; that’s what I saw this novel as,” he says. At the time, he was also reading Marcel Proust, whose profound meditation on memory and love stirred something in him. The title speaks to the many lives the novel deals with. “In a way, it universalised their divergent language of uncertainty and desire where there was still hope,” he concludes.

Available: Leading bookstores and e-stores
Cost: Rs 599

Author Reccos

>> Garth Greenwell’s Small Rain
>> Sylvia Townsend Warner’s Summer Will Show
>> Brandon Taylor’s The late Americans
>> Violet Trefusis’s Broderie Anglaise
>> Vasudhendra’s Mohanaswamy

Shivratri procession at the Purab Darwaza. Pics Courtesy/Artists, strangers House Gallery

In the age of new colonialism, Akshay Singh Maksudpur and Mahesh Soundatte’s Veerane Pe Kya Guzari reminds us of the familiar slip-ups hidden behind the beauty pf that age. Maksudpur, a cinematographer, collaborates with Soundatte, a portraitist and painter from Ichalkaranji, to create an album on the city of Patna, drawing from the famed Patna Kalam Company paintings.
ON Tomorrow; 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
TILL April 9; 11 am to 7pm
AT Strangers House Gallery, Old Wodehouse Road, Colaba.

Ancestral threads

To Find the Hidden Self, 1, Kaveri Raina. Pics Courtesy/Artist; Experimenter Gallery

Kaveri Raina finally makes her India debut with an exhibition that delves into memory, history and personal journey. The new series of works, of fire-harpoons, draws inspiration from the 14th Century Kashmiri poet, Lal Ded, becoming an inspiration for Raina’s own exploration of her obscured and complex ancestry.
Till  April 18; 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
AT Experimenter, first floor, Sunny House, Merewether Road, Colaba.

Encounter the unknown

Installation view, Goutam Ghosh. Pic Courtesy/artist; Project 88

Tactile, immediate, and arresting, Goutam Ghosh’s Bite the Bullet, interrogates our visual perspective, and historical memory through sculpted creations. The work stands at an intersection of the artist’s long examination of ideas.

Till May 2; 11 am to 7 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
AT Project 88, BMP Building, Colaba.

The price of progress

Navjot Altaf, Gudhal/White Hibiscus, Hibiscus Arnottianus; Waste Archives as Landscape, 2024-25

What does innovation mean? What is the true cost of progress? Straddling the distinct worlds of Bastar and Mumbai, Navjot Altaf’s latest examination questions the existential tensions between the ideas of progress and ecology through the visual memory of things left behind. Waste Archives as Landscape follows the remnant evidences of innovation and progress in an increasingly consumerist society.

Waste Archives as Landscape, 2024-25. Pics courtesy/the artist;  Volte Gallery

Till June 10; 10.15 am to 6 pm
AT Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation, second floor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort. 
ENTRY Museum tickets apply

Glowing in a vibrant yellow ensemble on Wednesday, Malaika Arora stepped into Sweeney, Khar, to launch her new lifestyle accessories line, Maejoy — and yes, the restaurant happens to be hers too. Two birds, one very stylish stone

Skin glowing, Wit showing

The internet will tell you Malishka Mendonsa is an Indian radio personality. Having known her for nearly three decades — we went to college together — I can assure you the operative word in that description is the last one: personality. ‘Mumbai ki Rani’ Malishka is less a job title than a full-blown presence. Her wit is quick, her laugh quicker, and her switch to ‘on’ appears to have been permanently installed sometime in the early 2000s. 

Malishka Mendonsa

Take, for instance, her social media tell-all from a spa session on Tuesday. Alongside the picture we’ve reproduced here, Malishka writes, “Me trying to get my payment app to open through face recognition while getting a facial… Access denied. Skin aglow.” 

Peak personality.  And then — because she can’t resist — she tops it off with a message to me when I ask for the image: “Babe, when you finally decide to write about me, you’re going to use this picture where no one can see my face?” Some people have good timing. Malishka, naturally, has the last word.

Desi Triumph

One of my early lessons in journalism — and easily the one I remember the best — came from the brilliant Bachi Karkaria. Her point: people care far more about the dead dog on their doorstep than a war on the other side of the world. It’s been ages, so forgive the paraphrase, but the lesson sticks.

Vikas Khanna

Underscoring that sentiment this week is chef Vikas Khanna. In a yet-to-be-released podcast with Vir Sanghvi, Vikas recounts his journey to stardom, peppered with tales of racism and despair, all with one message: “Let’s turn this pain into purpose.” Mission accomplished, clearly, because these days the Michelin-starred chef is fielding calls from Jeff Bezos, who wants to know how one scores a reservation at NYC’s Bungalow — Vikas’s East Village eatery. 

But back to our main mudda. In August 2024, Bungalow was awarded a prestigious three-star rating by The New York Times. Apparently, it marked the first time in nearly 25 years that an Indian restaurant has received such a high honour from the publication. Understandably excited, Vikas rushed to share the news with his mother in India. “Mumma ne sidha bola ki Punjab Kesari mein toh aaya nahi,” the chef recalls. Perhaps this piece, published closer to home, will finally deliver the news to her doorstep.

Brand Stand

Celebrity brand ambassadors don’t always put their money where their mouths are, but that can’t be said of Sachin Tendulkar. Literally walking the talk in Ten x You sneakers, Sachin showed up to support son Arjun during a practice session at Bandra’s MIG Cricket Club last month. No planned press conference, no staged photo op — just Sachin being Sachin, and yes, actually wearing his own brand.

Sachin Tendulkar. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

This kind of commitment is commendable, especially since it isn’t the norm. We find local ambassadors for Louis Vuitton or Gucci wearing their brand one day and Dior or Hermès the next — as evidenced by ample airport looks. Perhaps there’s an aspect of good sportsmanship to it, because another cricketing icon showed the same sort of commitment during a photoshoot with yours truly some years ago. Yuvraj Singh is the man in question, whom I had kitted out as a Keanu Reeves-inspired Matrix hero.

Fashion designer Narendra Kumar Ahmed was tasked with getting the ensemble on point (which he did with aplomb), and that left us to match Neo’s signature Matrix micro-sunglasses. Chuffed to have found the perfect pair, we were met with pandemonium on set when Yuvi refused to wear anything but Oakley because he was associated with the brand at the time. No amount of cajoling worked and eventually we went with what he wished. Because in a world of flexible brand loyalties, that kind of consistency is its own quiet heroism.

History in silk

Vijay Deverakonda

Baroda royal Radhikaraje Gaekwad is a custodian of culture and a connoisseur of the arts. She wears legacy with a lightness and grace that makes her relatable, but don’t mistake that ease for ignorance — this maharani knows her history. Which is precisely why she had an unexpected observation when actor Vijay Deverakonda popped up on her Instagram feed, dressed in a regal Falguni and Shane Peacock ensemble for his recent sangeet ceremony.

Radhikaraje Gaekwad
 
While the internet fawned over Vijay as the season’s best-dressed groom, Radhikaraje clocked something else entirely: the cape. To her trained eye, the look carried echoes of royal wardrobes from decades past — the powder-blue silk cape recalling the very cloak Maharaja Sayajirao wore in 1919, when the British Empire awarded him one of its highest honours. For everyone else, this was just another stylish celebrity moment. For the Maharani of Baroda, it was proof that fashion has a long memory. And to us, a reminder that a royal eye sees what the crowd cannot.

Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani are proving that the best kind of partnership is one that wins both on the red carpet and in the boardroom. Announcing a collaboration with Invision Brands at a press conference on Tuesday, the power couple talked strategy and goals with an attentive audience. Now whether they’re whispering sweet nothings or secret business strategies, one thing is clear: this duo plans to build an empire together.

Fifty and Fabulous

Ditch the stilettos, keep the sass. Seema Sajdeh just pulled the ultimate fiftieth birthday plot twist. On March 8, the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives icon traded the Mumbai party circuit for the spiritual glow of Amritsar’s Golden Temple — proving she can serve ‘devotional diva’ just as well as front-row fashion.
Bringing in a milestone half-century with style and a serious amount of soul, Seema swapped champagne for kada prasad, with her family in tow.

Seema Sajdeh

“It’s something they would never do,” the bubbly birthday girl confesses to yours truly, but it felt befitting this year. Choosing to treasure the moment (and life’s small joys), Seema says she has no laundry list of wishes for 2026. Instead, she hopes for greater gratitude for everything she already has. Move over, mid-life crisis — Seema is having a mid-life awakening, and she’s doing it with a perfectly draped dupatta.

The App Apocalypse

We refuse to view a woman’s singleness as a problem to be solved rather than a kingdom to be ruled. So, this isn’t another tired inquiry into why icons like Drew Barrymore and Chennai-born culinary goddess Padma Lakshmi are ‘still’ single. Instead, consider this a shared giggle over the fact that even these gorgeous girls aren’t immune to the dumpster fire that is the digital dating pool.

Padma Lakshmi

They have built empires, authored bestsellers, and mastered the art of the perfect roast — both on a plate and in a punchline — yet the algorithm remains their greatest adversary. Chatting with the E.T. star on a televised episode of The Drew Barrymore Show on Monday, Padma confessed that her feed seems to be a never-ending loop of ‘creative directors’ and DJs.

“All the pictures that these guys put up — it’s always like they’re jumping out of helicopters, or they’re on a yacht, or they’re waterskiing, or riding horses. I’m like I’m tired just looking at you. I’ll be at the bar,” she quipped. Closer to home, the pickings remain just as slim or spectacularly unsuitable — even on invite-only apps. With the likes of Vaani Kapoor and Sonal Chauhan reportedly navigating the same limited deck of ‘entrepreneurs’ and ‘visionaries’ as Padma and Drew, it’s clear that even gold-standard apps are still serving up bronze-tier options.

A little slice of Island Life

After cheering our current cricket squad on from the sidelines at the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, defending champion captain Rohit Sharma swapped stadium noise for sea breezes, jetting off to the Maldives for some R&R this week. Enjoying the island life alongside him are wife Ritika Sajdeh and daughter Samaira — who may well be the biggest fan of their overwater villa’s private slide that drops straight into a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon.

Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh

Sand and surf seem to be a firm favourite with the family. In fact, it was in the Indian Ocean’s azure waters that Rohit chose to recharge after leading India to the ICC Champions Trophy win last March. But while that celebratory getaway had him staying at the Waldorf Astoria in Ithaafushi, this trip finds the trio tucked into a three-bedroom private pool villa at the JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. As a Marriott Bonvoy brand ambassador, Rohit clearly knows how to make those loyalty perks work for him.

Unfiltered Icon

Belated birthday wishes are in order for another Bollywood belle. Pooja Bhatt turned 54 on February 24, and her milestone deserves special mention. Sharing an emotional message of thanks for all the birthday love last month, Bhatt not only confessed to her age on social media (unheard of for an actor) but also shared a far from superficial reflection on achieving a decade of sobriety.

Pooja Bhatt

“54 years of being. 10 years of truly living,” she writes — her transparency turning a standard birthday post into a profound act of advocacy. By openly discussing her age and her recovery, Pooja is dismantling two of the biggest taboos in the industry simultaneously. Her post isn’t just a thank-you note — it is a testament to survival, sobriety, and self-acceptance. A bold reminder that the most beautiful thing anyone can ever wear is their truth.

Catch the 2026 edition of Woodside Hoppy Trails. This weekend, the festival’s first leg will feature delightful draughts from Igloo’s Konkan Lager to Great State Ale’s Heart of Darkness, for your palate.
ON March 14 and 15; 11.30 am to 1.30 am 
AT Woodside inn, Indian Mercantile Mansion, Wodehouse Road, Colaba. 
Call 9321728192  
Cost Rs 400 (330 ml); Rs 150 (100 ml) (approximate)

Run for pizza

A runner enjoys a slice of pizza. Pic courtesy/The brunch Club

Sign up for a Pizza Run with the running club, The bRUNch Club, celebrating Pi Day (March 14), honouring the mathematical constant π (pi). Relish a pizza slice after every 1 km.
ON March 15; 7 am
MEETING POINT Opposite Tim Hortons, Lokhandwala Back Road, Andheri West.
Call 9833216566 (to register by March 12) 
Entry Rs 300

Sindhi style supper

Seyal Paneer

This curated Tapas-style Sindhi dining experience by The Supper Club offers a spread of family recipes, including sumptuous vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare, from Seyal Paneer to Sindhi Mutton Quesadilla.

Sindhi Mutton Quesadilla. Pics courtesy/The supper Club

ON March 14; 8 pm onwards
AT The Vintage Garden, Gurunanak Road, Bandra West.
Call 9326962514 (for reservations) 
Cost Rs 3000 (vegetarian spread); Rs 3500 (The Meat Lovers spread)

(Left to right) Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, and Harry Morgan

The team of surgeons, nursing and support staff at a fictional camp in South Korea captured our imagination, with leads, Captain Benjamin Franklin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce (played by Alan Alda) and Captain John ‘Trapper’ McIntyre (Wayne Rogers). Trapper later made way for Captain BJ Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell).  Their other key characters included Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan (Loretta Swit), the ranking nurse; Major Frank Burns (Larry Linville) who was replaced in the later seasons by Major Charles Emerson Winchester (David Ogden Stiers). 

The commander was Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson), followed by Colonel Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan) in the later seasons. Other characters like Corporal ‘Radar’ O’Reilly (Gary Burghoff) and Corporal Max Klinger (Jamie Farr) and Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) were equally memorable. It’s title song, Suicide is Painless, composed by Johnny Mandel, became a cult track, and went on to top the UK charts at one point. To find reasons to smile amidst the helplessness of war was its overarching theme that remained at its core till the last episode.

Old-timers will never tire of watching reruns. We suspect the show’s vintage appeal might pique the interest of first-time viewers, including later Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha generations. Sit back and enjoy its crisp and seamless writing that balanced hilarity with poignant storytelling in the time of war.

Log on to: YouTube

Veena Vadini. Pics courtesy/NGMA

“Nandalal Bose is widely regarded as one of the nine masters of Indian modern art. His works are profoundly Indian in their ethos, practice, and themes, reflecting a deep engagement with the cultural and social life of the country,” IAS Nidhi Choudhari, director, NGMA reminds us. The works are remarkable in their simplicity and boldness, and celebrate the rustic ethos of the India Bose portrays — potters, weavers, farmers, musicians among others — in a style that blends styles from Kalighat paintings to Pattachitra art, and the mural works from Ajanta.

A view of the ornate page of the Preamble illustrated by Bose

“Most strikingly, a significant number of these works celebrate women. Nearly one-third of the panels depict women engaged in diverse activities — performing household chores, dancing, singing, practising archery, riding horses, and participating actively in community life,” Choudhari points out.

Deputy curator Shruti Das adds, “Bose was deeply influenced by major intellectual figures of Indian art history, including Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and E B Havell. Their ideas about reviving India’s artistic heritage profoundly shaped his vision, which he later transmitted to his students.” This language finds expression primarily through the iconic panels, set in an installation that replicates the original pavilion. These are accompanied by a physical copy of the Indian Constitution — that Bose illustrated, with his students.

Nandalal Bose

“The exhibition also introduces a contemporary digital layer through AI-generated films and animated interpretations of Bose’s artworks created by filmmaker Ebyug Akhil, making the experience visually engaging and accessible for present-day audiences,” shares Das. “This integration ultimately creates a layered narrative that connects history, art, and technology,” the curator concludes. A timely reminder at a time when soft power is slowly waning.

Till June 9; 11 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
At NGMA Mumbai, Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, Fort.

The structured, yet bold silhouette, punctuated with glossy gold buttons, gave her a commanding edge; somewhere between boardroom boss and runway rebel. Bhatt styled it with pointed heels and barely-there accessories giving it that effortless I-woke-up-like-this look that fashion insiders swear by.

Against the old-world elegance of Milan’s skyline, Bhatt stood out with quiet confidence. There was no excess, no distraction, just a bold attitude and the power of minimalism done right. Bhatt offered the perfect reminder: When styled well, the darkest shade can steal the brightest spotlight.

Log on to: @aliaabhatt

ON March 11 to 15
AT 3 Art House, Khar West; Gharaonda, Bandra West; Khar Comedy Club; Khar West. 
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com (for timings and entry)

Funny business

The festival opens with an all-star night in SoBo with a line-up featuring Kanan Gill, Varun Grover (below), Sapan Verma, Shreeja Chaturvedi, and international acts 
Michael Ahern and David Hoskin, that will leave you in stitches, happy ones.
ON Today; 8.30 pm
AT NCPA, Nariman Point.

The Guide’s top picks

Chai pe charcha

Two queer lovers reunite 15 years after their first romance in Taranjit Kaur’s Chai Queens, an internationally acclaimed tale of queer lives in India. If you’re feeling contemplative, stop by the newly opened café to reflect over a cup of chai.
ON March 13 to 15
AT 3Art House, Khar West.

A word on war

Described as a ‘superior poet with the ability to engage reluctant audiences’ by critics, David Lee Morgan’s (below) Uncle Tom’s War explores revolution, resistance and the lessons of history through the spoken word. Timely as it can get, we say.
ON March 12 to 15
AT Gharaonda, National College Lane, 32nd Road, Bandra West.

The Scottish solo

Pic Courtesy/VeronaSkyFringe

London-based theatre company, The Shakespeare Edit brings alive the Bard’s Macbeth. Director Paul Goodwin (below) performs the Scottish drama to the memorable compositions of Ukrainian composer, Dmitriy Saratsky. It plays onstage ‘tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow’; or in layman speak, all  four days of the main festival. 
ON March 12 to 15 
AT 3 Art House, Khar West.

Holmes’ homecoming

David Stuart Davies’ Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act begins with Holmes returning from the funeral of Dr Watson. Over the next hour, he revisits their most remarkable cases in a monologue to his departed companion. Nigel Miles-Thomas (below) plays 14 characters. Should you catch it live? Elementary, my dear Watson.
ON March 12 to 15
AT 3ArtHouse (March 12 to 15); Khar Comedy Club (March 14)

Whole new world

Richard Watkins. PICS COURTESY/ARTISTES’ INSTAGRAM

What if your favourite Disney films had queer characters? In Happily Ever Poofter, Richard Watkins (left) plays the only gay prince stuck in a classic fairy tale kingdom. Expect some witty reworking of familiar Disney numbers.
ON March 12 to 15
AT Khar Comedy Club (March 12, 14, and 15); 3ArtHouse (March 13 and 15)

Aneet Padda channels pure Disney-princess poise, trading a glass slipper for a high-fashion exit in Juhu on Monday. Appearing as an ambassador for a jewellery brand, the Saiyaara starlet proves that while diamonds dazzle, confidence and a flawless silhouette are the ultimate accessories.

Gems of love

It takes strength to turn loss into a tribute, and love into a legacy — and this month, Farah Khan Ali is set to do just that. We hear the celebrated jewellery designer will open her new flagship store in South Mumbai on March 21, marking an important milestone in her 30-year journey with gems.

Farah Khan Ali

One has already come to expect opulent design and refined craftsmanship from Farah, but this launch comes with a collection that goes beyond glamour — delivering heart. Alongside her signature monogram pieces, she will unveil a special line of jewels inspired by her late mother, Zarine Khan, who passed away in November last year.

Farah believes that jewellery carries a feeling, a moment, an intention. “Long after the day has passed, a jewel remembers,” she says. If that is so, what finer way to honour her mother’s memory than with a collection that transforms love and loss into lasting beauty? And with sisters Sussanne Khan and Simone Arora lending solid support, this event promises to be far more than a store launch, serving instead as a sparkling tribute to love, legacy, and a life well-lived.

Slay all day

Throughout this T20 World Cup campaign, Tilak Varma has offered up some crucial cameos, but his all-star moment appears to have arrived after we claimed the cup! Still buzzing from the high of Sunday’s victory, we woke up on Monday to find Tilak took the trophy to bed with him — if only for a few photos. 

Tilak Varma

In a series of super-sexy shots on social media, the shirtless star is seen in his hotel room, toothbrush in one hand and trophy in the other. The pièce de résistance, however, is the last image in the carousel: trophy, tattoo sleeve, medal and the man himself on display like art against soft white sheets. The tournament may be over, but the fun has clearly just begun — and honestly, who would stop at play when you can truly slay?

Outlook: Sunny

If there was ever any doubt the Little Master has a big heart, let’s put that debate to rest. As our boys in blue lifted the T20 World Cup trophy on Sunday, Sunil Gavaskar kept his promise to Suryakumar Yadav (we told you all about that on February 17) — breaking into a brief jig to celebrate our colossal cricket triumph at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Sunil Gavaskar

The 76-year-old legend, usually the picture of restraint in the commentary box, let his guard down for a few seconds as India Waale blared in the background. And in doing so, Gavaskar reminded us that cricket, beyond statistics and scorecards, is still — first and foremost — about joy.

Ek tha Tiger

“I really do believe that I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before me,” Priyanka Chopra Jonas told an audience of eager students during the India Conference at Harvard last month. Arguably our most recognisable face in Hollywood today, Priyanka credited Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the late Irrfan Khan with paving the path to global recognition. But long before these trailblazers there was another, and it took a true OG to recognise it.

Kabir Bedi

On Friday, Salman Khan posted a shout-out to Sandokan star Kabir Bedi, referring to him as “the first Indian to do an international TV show.” Generous with his praise, Salman went on call Kabir “forever handsome, enigmatic, the original Tiger.” Both the sentiment and its timing were spot-on, with the iconic series celebrating 50 years at the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy on February 24. Of course, Kabir and his charming wife Parveen Dusanj attended the commemorative event, even interacting with the star of the new Sandokan series: Turkish actor Can Yaman.

Salman Khan

But back to our local ‘Tiger’ Salman and his tribute to Bedi. “My duaa that everyone looks as strong and conducts their emotional life as @kabirbedi. The new Sandokan @canyaman… you have big shoes to fill.” A roaring dose of rightful praise from one Tiger to another.

This new range celebrates matcha with inventive blends such as Blueberry Cloud Cheesecake Matcha (below), Mango Berry Matcha, Emerald Pistachio Cream Matcha, and the Matcha Jaggery Latte, each offering a twist to the taste.
AT Malgudi, gate No 4, R City Mall, near Damodar Park, Ghatkopar West.  
LOG ON TO @malgudi.ind
CALL 9987888744

2 Veg goes gourmet

This refreshed menu gives the familiar vegetarian favourites an upgrade. Small plates feature Crispy Katsu Paneer Bowl (above), Paneer Ghee Roast and Avocado Sev Puri alongside Bangkok-style Crispy Paneer. If you have a sweet tooth, give the Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake and a Mango Tango Berry drink a try. 
AT Ciel, Teli Gali, Andheri East. 
LOG ON TO @ciel_mumbai
CALL 9819433999

3 Around the world

A globally inspired spread brings together flavours from different kitchens all under one roof. Think Edamame Cream Cheese Dumplings (below), Thecha Fish Tikka, and 24 Carrot Gold Mexican Rolls. We suggest the Truffle Yaki Udon and Balinese curry that will keep you satiated.
AT Silver Nest World Cuisine and Bar, Hotel Silver Inn, Marol, Andheri East. 
LOG ON TO @juliettecafeandbar 
CALL 9136206828

The Oyster Mushroom is one of the easiest fungi groups to grow on a tight budget, and a tighter schedule. This weekend, a workshop led by Anurag Karekar of the Naturalist Explorers group will arm you with the know-how to grow your own.

ON March 15; 9.30 am 
AT Maharashtra Nature Park, opposite Dharavi Bus Depot, Dharavi. 
LOG ON TO @naturalistex
ENTRY Rs 1111 (includes materials)

Fun with fungi

How Oyster Mushroom comes to harvest within one month of your first experiment

Day 1: A substrate is prepared by sterilising domestic waste such as hay, saw dust, or bagasse. Mushroom spores are mixed in, and stored indoors in a bag or a cardboard box.

Week 2-3: The mix turns white. Cut slits in the container and move them to a brighter area.

One month: Pin-shaped structures appear. Keep a close eye. Within days, they multiply in size to form the mushroom.

Fact check

Karekar weighs in on common misconceptions around consuming mushrooms

Mushrooms are unhygienic decaying matter

While mushrooms draw nutrition from agricultural waste, they themselves are hygienic and nutritious.  

Mushroom farming is an expensive hobby

You can source hay from your local market. A clean cardboard box can act as your container. Fungi require minimal watering (misting).

Mushrooms are poisonous

Oyster Mushrooms are perfectly edible. Keep an eye on your white substrate. Colours can mean unwanted fungi growth.

From learning to juggle, spin a top, or even freestyle football, this one is for those unafraid of embarrassment. We’d recommend signing up for the yo-yo. Sleek, simple, and addictive fun through gamified skill points, it can be a positive brain rot.

Log on to: Skill Addicts on Playstore

Inspired by Frida Journal (Rockpool Publishing) is an ode to the inspirational artist where Akal Pritam envelopes the user in every sense with a dramatic, colourful splash of Frida-logy. The 205-page decorative journal is indexed into eight sections that encourage exploration of the idea of FRIDA: Freedom, Reverence, Inspiration, Dharma and Acceptance.

The journal is divided into sections

The courageous Mexican, who defied the odds and fought adversities like her serious accident, throughout her life, ensured these many struggles translated into art that was unapologetically refreshing in every sense. The powerful colours, strong brushstrokes and evocative text across each section are bound to draw in collectors, stationery junkies and of course, Frida’s fans to get a copy just for keeps. At least, that’s what we might end up doing.

FRIDA: Freedom, Reverence, Inspiration, Dharma, and Acceptance

The creator of this gorgeous, artful tribute, Pritam does full justice to the rich, glorious legacy and Kahlo’s ability to stand out in a crowd, and remain one of the most path breaking women pioneers in the art movement and beyond.

Log on to: simonandschuster.com (distributed in India by Simon & Schuster) 
Cost: Rs 1199

Gourd lord

Saurabh Udinia, culinary director, HOM in Bandra, looks forward to the raw mangoes every summer. “My father makes an aam pickle for the family that we use as a butter in our seabass at the restaurant,” he says, adding, “We use a two-year-old batch as it ferments beautifully.”

Fresh harvest of mangoes at Crawford Market last year. FILE PIC

Their Veggie Chop, a patty made from seasonal veggies, is “packed with amaranth, green peas and edamame. We make the sauce using burnt cauliflower,” he explains. His top picks include Dadar Phool and Sabji Mandi, and Crawford market.

(From left) Veggie Chop; Seabass; Saurabh Udinia. Pics courtesy/HOM

The sunny season also brings gourds, greens and kokum. The bottle and ridge gourds are at their best. “They behave really well on the fire. Even the humble drumstick is thick with tender seeds. We steam it lightly, and then fire them for a charred aroma.”

Chutney on the rocks

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, curator and editor of Chutney: A Compendium of Stories and Recipes, says, “Every part of a plant can be converted into a chutney — leaves, flowers, roots, stem; even peels, especially those of the ridge gourd, are preferred options. Turai or ridge gourd peels, with their rough and fibrous texture, make for delightfully rustic chutneys.”

Flowers, like the gongura, Hibiscus, moringa, tamarind, coriander, and banana flowers, are also popular options. For Maharashtrians, red and green thechas, with chillies are added to the menu for their internal cooling features. “In my mother’s Gujarati household, we still have a Kanda Kheri made by blending mango chilli and gourd,” she says.

Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal

Bhaji and bhakri

Shival Shah, co-founder of Tillage, local produce online store, points out that the onset of summer marks a shift in produce suited to the climate. “At Tillage, we are going to be shifting away from berries, and towards more tropical produce like avocados, mangoes, and mangosteen.

Mangoes and avocados. PICS COURTESY/TILLAGE

Cooling flours like Jowar, Khapli wheat etc are preferred in this season.  The market is filled with spinach, amaranth and a few varieties of salad greens. I love an amaranth (Chauli) leaves bhaji paired with a jowar bhakri,” Shah concludes.

Drinks galore

Summer specials

Jasleen Marwah of Folk in Kala Ghoda says summer is a respite from the heavy eating of winter. “It lightens you up, and you crave cooling drinks,” says Marwah, hinting at aam panna, kokum sharbat, sol kadi, kanjis and chhaas.

Sindhi Kadhi

She uses all the fresh kokum, mango, and beetroot for the coolers. “From chillies to tamarind, the season brings colour to the markets. My favourite is the Goregaon station market,” she says.

Topli Nu salad

Juicy lemons are used for Sindhi kadhi, while curd rice and khichdi get an addition of veggies — the green gourds, cucumber and palak. “We serve jowar instead of bajra, to ease digestion too,” she reveals.

Jasleen Marwah. PICS COURTESY/FOLK

Market research

A fisherman unloads the day’s catch at Sassoon Dock. FILE PIC

“I am especially excited about working with ripe local tomatoes, tender gourds like lauki and turai, and plenty of cucumber; ingredients naturally suited to the heat. Apart from mangoes, pomelo or bael offers freshness and gentle acidity.

Chef Gaurav Yadav

In warm weather, the ingredients do most of the work. It is all about letting their natural flavours shine,” shares Gaurav Yadav, chef de cuisine at The Bombay Canteen.

Seasonal produce at The Bombay Canteen. Pics courtesy/The Bombay Canteen

Take a walk down your local market, and you will understand. “The Grant Road Market has a very distinct character: One finds smaller vendors, interesting regional produce, and ingredients that are not always easy to come across in bigger markets. For seafood, it’s Sassoon Dock, especially for squid and bombil during this time,” he says.

At Effingut Brewpub, building number 6, Western Express Highway, NESCO, Goregaon East.
Call 7620038888 385
Log on to @effingutmumbai
Cost Rs 385

On March 12, 8 pm; March 13, 7 pm 
At Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar, Versova; National Gallery of Modern Art, Fort. 
Log on to @tafreehwale.com
Entry Rs 499

This keepsake by Richard Porter, David Bedford and Susan Ryan is a treat for fans of the iconic band, and comes packed with trivia, timelines, ticket stubs (yes!), rare photographs, and maps to join the dots of their time, work and artiste life across London, Hamburg, New York and Liverpool.

2 A Brush With Indian Art (Puffin Penguin)

From cave etchings to contemporary paintings, Mamta Nainy’s book takes the young reader on a journey about the origins and evolution of art in India. From Ajanta to Tanjore masterpieces, Mughal art and East India Company’s artists, Aniruddha Mukherjee’s art adds to make it a visually stunning book to gift your child as a first step towards appreciating Indian art.

3 I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf (Abrams ComicArts)

Grant Snider is a modern-day genius when it comes to making storyboards speak. With his brilliant art and storylines that cover everything from troubled typefaces, to Haruki Murakami’s idea of Bingo, and what imaginary day jobs of poets would look like, we suggest you make a dash for this book if you want to brighten up your day. And your bookshelf, of course.